Experience of general practitioners confronted to first signs of neurocognitive disorders in elderly patients

Context. Cognitive disorders (CDs) are caused by damage affecting a variety of major brain functions. In the early stages of the disorder, either patient or GP identifies only one case in three. The early diagnosis of CDs allows anticipated and global management of patients and their circle. Aim. To explore the experience of GPs with elderly patients' CDs. Method. Qualitative study based on a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews of GPs between August and November 2016. Thematic analysis. Results. Twelve interviews were completed. Six key themes have emerged. Detection of early signs is difficult. GPs are reluctant to disclose CDs. Associating the family to patient care is complex. GPs feel isolated when it comes to patient care. No effective medication is available. GPs' information about early diagnosis is scarce. Conclusion. GPs are leading actors of early diagnoses of CDs. The complexity of CDs calls for clarification of their definition in order to improve their detection. Drug options being controversial, care of elderly patients should be comprehensive which means associating family and medical workers. An early diagnosis of CDs would allow improvement of the elderly patient's future living conditions.